Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for spatially resolved trace element determination of solids using an autofocus system

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used for sp atially resolved trace element analysis of archaeological samples. An autof ocus system was built in order to achieve reproducible ablation conditions. This system allows focusing of any sample automatically, with an accuracy of 10-50 mu m, in the focal plane of the laser, or any height specified by the user, and can correct for surface roughness point per point. The applic ability of the autofocus system is demonstrated. Trace element determinatio n of archaeological samples with a lateral resolution of 50 mu m is shown a s an example. Absolute detection limits of 01-1.4 pg are achieved. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.